Museum exhibit focuses on faith of World War II generation

Published: 2004-05-26

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A new exhibit at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington pays tribute to the World War II generation by showing how their faith sustained them during the war years. "Faith of Our Fathers and Mothers: The Role of Faith in the Greatest Generation" opened May 15 in anticipation of the dedication of the National World War II Memorial in Washington on May 29 and will run until Sept. 7. A symposium on chaplaincy and an educational film festival relating to the faith of the people during the World War II era also will be held in conjunction with the exhibit. The centerpiece of the exhibit is 10 triptychs that were used as portable altarpieces on ships in the field of battle. They are on loan from the Virginia War Museum and the U.S. Naval Academy Museum. The exhibit also features a chalice made by a ship's machinist for use onboard ship, loaned by the Naval Academy Museum. Other items include religious articles of faith that soldiers have taken into battle -- rosaries, prayer books, Bibles, prayer cards, medals, the "Soldier's Book of Worship" and a Seder kit.

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